RSPCA Applauds Baird Government's Historic Decision On Greyhounds

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RSPCA Australia applauds the Baird Government’s decisive action to end the cruelty of greyhound racing by banning the sport in NSW from July 2017.

The RSPCA provided extensive written and oral evidence to the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry which has found animal cruelty, mass greyhound killings and live baiting are systemic to the sport.

The Inquiry’s view is consistent with RSPCA’s position that there are significant and entrenched animal welfare problems inherent in the greyhound racing industry. These include problems with over-supply, injuries, physical overexertion, inadequate housing, lack of socialisation and environmental enrichment, training, illegal live baiting, administration of banned or unregistered substances, export and the fate of unwanted greyhounds with high wastage and high euthanasia rates.

“The Baird government has made a courageous decision today, but one based on devastating evidence, and that has the overwhelming backing of the Australian public” said Dr Jade Norris, Scientific Officer, RSPCA Australia.

“The greyhound racing industry lost its social licence in 2015 when ABC TV’s Four Corners exposed the horrors of live baiting using footage obtained by Animals Australia and Animal Liberation Queensland.

“As a result, criminal investigations by the RSPCA and Police have resulted in over 50 individuals being charged over live baiting offences across three states and 179 trainers and breeders charged for exporting greyhounds to Macau. Multiple trainers have also been banned by industry regulators from training or owning greyhounds.

“We urge all state and territory governments around Australia to read the Inquiry’s report and follow suit. We urgently need a national approach to ending greyhound racing across Australia.

“The Special Commission of Inquiry has demonstrated that cruelty is intertwined into every level of this sport. Greyhounds have been regarded as disposable objects for far too long – it’s time to treat these graceful and intelligent animals with the respect they deserve.

The RSPCA is Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation and one of Australia’s most trusted charities. The RSPCA works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.